RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026: The Rail Coach Factory (RCF), Kapurthala, under the Ministry of Railways, Government of India, has released a notification for the engagement of 734 Act Apprentices for training under the Apprenticeship Act, 1961. The apprenticeship training will be conducted at the Technical Training Centre of Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
According to the official notification, eligible candidates can submit their applications online through the RCF website. The notification is dated August 7, 2026, and the last date for submitting the online application is September 5, 2026, up to 24:00 hours. After the deadline, the application link will become inactive.
The recruitment is open for several technical trades, including Fitter, Welder, Machinist, Painter, Carpenter, Electrician, AC & Refrigeration Mechanic, Mechanic Motor Vehicle and Electronic Mechanic. Candidates who satisfy the educational and age requirements can apply for the relevant trade.
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RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala |
| Ministry | Ministry of Railways, Government of India |
| Recruitment | Act Apprentice Engagement |
| Notification No. | A-1/2026 |
| Notification Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 734 |
| Training Location | Technical Training Centre, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start | As per online application schedule |
| Last Date | September 5, 2026 |
| Last Time | 24:00 Hours |
| Minimum Age | 15 Years |
| Maximum Age | Below 24 Years |
| Minimum Qualification | Class 10 with 50% marks |
| Technical Qualification | National Trade Certificate in notified trade |
| Selection | Merit Based |
| Application Fee | ₹100 |
| SC/ST/PwD/Women Fee | Nil |
| Official Website | rcf.indianrailways.gov.in |
The recruitment notification states that online applications are invited for 734 Act Apprentices for imparting training in the notified trades at the Technical Training Centre of Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala.
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RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Vacancy 2026
A total of 734 apprenticeship training seats are available across nine trades. The largest number of vacancies is available for Welder (G&E), followed by Fitter and Electrician.
| Trade | UR | SC | ST | OBC | Total | PwD | Ex-Servicemen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fitter | 90 | 27 | 14 | 49 | 180 | 7 | 5 |
| Welder (G&E) | 111 | 33 | 17 | 59 | 220 | 9 | 7 |
| Machinist | 30 | 9 | 5 | 16 | 60 | 2 | 2 |
| Painter (G) | 20 | 6 | 3 | 11 | 40 | 2 | 1 |
| Carpenter | 20 | 6 | 2 | 11 | 40 | 2 | 1 |
| Electrician | 55 | 17 | 8 | 30 | 110 | 4 | 3 |
| AC & Refrigeration Mechanic | 22 | 7 | 3 | 12 | 44 | 2 | 1 |
| Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 20 | — | 1 |
| Electronic Mechanic | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 20 | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 368 | 111 | 57 | 198 | 734 | 30 | 22 |
The trade-wise vacancy table is provided on page 1 of the official notification.
Trade-Wise Vacancy Details
Fitter – 180 Posts
There are 180 seats available for the Fitter trade. This includes vacancies under UR, SC, ST and OBC categories, along with the specified horizontal reservation.
Welder (G&E) – 220 Posts
The Welder (G&E) trade has the highest number of vacancies, with 220 seats. Candidates possessing the required educational and technical qualification can consider this trade if it matches their qualification.
Machinist – 60 Posts
A total of 60 seats are available for Machinist apprenticeship training.
Painter (G) – 40 Posts
The notification provides 40 seats for the Painter (G) trade.
Carpenter – 40 Posts
There are 40 apprenticeship seats available for Carpenter.
Electrician – 110 Posts
The Electrician trade has 110 seats, making it one of the major recruitment categories in this notification.
AC & Refrigeration Mechanic – 44 Posts
A total of 44 seats are available for AC & Refrigeration Mechanic.
Mechanic (Motor Vehicle) – 20 Posts
There are 20 seats for Mechanic (Motor Vehicle).
Electronic Mechanic – 20 Posts
The notification provides 20 seats for Electronic Mechanic.
RCF Apprentice Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age and educational requirements to participate in the apprenticeship engagement.
The notification states that applicants should have completed 15 years of age but should not have completed 24 years of age as on September 5, 2026.
Candidates should carefully calculate their age with reference to the prescribed date before submitting the application.
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Age Relaxation
The notification provides relaxation in the upper age limit for eligible reserved categories.
- SC/ST candidates: 5 years relaxation
- OBC candidates: 3 years relaxation
- Persons with Disability: 10 years relaxation
- Ex-Servicemen: Up to an additional 10 years, subject to the conditions specified in the notification
For ex-servicemen, the notification states that the relaxation is connected with the period of service rendered in the Defence Forces plus the prescribed additional period and is subject to the specified minimum service conditions.
Candidates claiming reservation or age relaxation must produce the required certificates during document verification.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have passed Class 10 or an equivalent examination under the 10+2 system with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised Board.
In addition to the Class 10 qualification, candidates must possess the National Trade Certificate in the notified trade issued by the National Council for Vocational Training, or the relevant qualification prescribed for the apprenticeship trade.
Therefore, candidates should ensure that their educational and technical qualifications correspond to the trade for which they are applying.
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How to Calculate Percentage When CGPA Is Given
The notification also explains the method for converting CGPA into percentage.
For example, if a candidate has obtained a CGPA of 7.4, the notification gives the calculation as:
7.4 × 9.5 = 70.3%
Candidates should enter the calculated percentage in the application form according to the procedure prescribed in the notification.
The notification also provides an example where a candidate obtains 70% in Matriculation and 80% in ITI. The combined percentage for the merit calculation would be:
(70 + 80) ÷ 2 = 75%
This combined percentage is important because the selection merit is prepared using the average of the Matriculation and ITI marks.
RCF Apprentice Application Fee
The application fee for this recruitment is ₹100.
The fee must be paid through the prescribed online payment method. RCF Kapurthala will not accept payment through cash, cheque, money order, IPO or demand draft.
The notification also states that SC, ST, PwD and Women candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
Candidates should complete the fee payment through the integrated payment gateway associated with the online application.
When Should the Application Fee Be Paid?
According to the notification, candidates who successfully complete the application form have to pay the application fee after two working days through the payment link provided in the form.
Before making payment, applicants should verify all details entered in the application because no change or editing will be permitted after the fee payment stage.
After successful payment, an electronic receipt will be generated. Candidates should download and retain the receipt for their records.
RCF Apprentice Selection Process
There is no written examination mentioned for selecting candidates for these apprenticeship seats.
The selection will be based on a merit list prepared from the marks obtained in Matriculation and ITI.
The notification states that the merit percentage will be calculated using the simple average of the percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation and ITI in the relevant trade.
This means candidates with higher combined academic and ITI marks will generally have a better position in the merit list.
RCF Apprentice Merit List
The merit list will be prepared trade-wise and community-wise.
Candidates will be arranged in descending order according to the percentage calculated from their Matriculation and ITI marks. The final merit list will contain candidates corresponding to the number of available training slots.
For example, if a candidate has 70% in Matriculation and 80% in ITI, the average will be 75%. This percentage will be considered for preparation of the merit list according to the prescribed procedure.
Tie-Breaking Rule
If two candidates obtain the same merit percentage, the candidate who is older in age will receive preference.
If their dates of birth are also the same, the candidate who passed the Matriculation examination earlier will be considered first.
This rule helps determine the order of merit when candidates have identical marks.
Document Verification
Candidates shortlisted through the merit process will be called for verification of their original certificates and testimonials.
Candidates claiming reservation benefits must produce the appropriate certificates during document verification.
For SC/ST candidates, the prescribed caste certificate must be produced.
OBC candidates seeking reservation benefits must provide the required caste certificate along with the Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued by the competent authority.
Candidates seeking benefits under the Ex-Servicemen category or as children of Ex-Servicemen/Armed Forces personnel must also provide the relevant certificates.
Medical Examination
Candidates finally enlisted for apprenticeship training will have to undergo medical examination and must be found physically fit for the training.
The medical certificate must be issued by a Government-authorised doctor (Gazetted) who is not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon of a Central or State Hospital.
The notification includes a prescribed medical fitness certificate format in its annexure.
Physical Fitness Requirements
The medical certificate attached to the notification specifies various physical fitness requirements for apprenticeship training.
The prescribed standards include requirements relating to general health, height, weight, chest, eyesight, hearing, skin, speech and various body systems. The certificate also requires examination of cardiovascular, respiratory, genito-urinary, skeletal, nervous and glandular systems.
The notification’s medical certificate specifies a minimum height of 137 cm, a minimum weight of 25.4 kg, and a minimum chest expansion of 3.8 cm, subject to the provisions stated in the medical certificate.
Candidates should carefully read the medical requirements before attending document verification.
Reservation for PwD and Ex-Servicemen
The notification provides 4% reservation for Persons with Disabilities and 3% for Ex-Servicemen, their children and children of Armed Forces personnel, as stated in the notification.
A candidate seeking PwD reservation must possess a disability certificate issued by the competent authority. The notification specifies that the disability should be 40% or above to receive the relevant reservation benefits.
How to Apply for RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online through the official Rail Coach Factory website.
The basic application procedure is:
- Visit the official RCF website.
- Open the Act Apprentice Recruitment 2026 application link.
- Read the detailed instructions carefully.
- Enter personal information and bio-data.
- Enter educational and technical qualification details.
- Provide a valid mobile number and email ID.
- Upload the required photograph and signature.
- Submit the application form.
- Pay the applicable application fee after the prescribed period.
- Download and save the completed application.
- Keep the registration number and payment receipt safely.
- Produce the application printout during document verification if shortlisted.
The notification specifically advises candidates to ensure that their name, father’s name and date of birth exactly match the Matriculation or equivalent certificate. Any discrepancy discovered during document verification may result in cancellation of candidature and debarment.
Photograph and Signature Requirements
Candidates have to upload a recent passport-size colour photograph.
The notification specifies:
- Photograph size: 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Resolution: 100 DPI
- File size: 20 KB to 70 KB
- Photograph should not be more than three months old
- Clear front-view photograph without cap or sunglasses
Candidates should keep additional copies of the same photograph for document verification.
The signature should also be uploaded according to the prescribed specifications:
- Size: 3.5 cm × 3.5 cm
- Format: JPG/JPEG
- Resolution: 100 DPI
- File size: 20 KB to 30 KB
Important Application Instructions
Candidates should provide an active mobile number and valid email ID while submitting the application. These should remain active throughout the engagement process because important information may be communicated through email or SMS.
Candidates should not submit multiple applications using different personal details, photographs, email addresses or mobile numbers. The notification states that such applications will be summarily rejected.
Applicants should also keep a printout of the submitted application because it may be required during document verification.
Last Date to Apply
The last date for submission of the online application is:
September 5, 2026, up to 24:00 hours.
No physical copy of the application needs to be sent to Rail Coach Factory. The notification states that physical applications received by RCF will not be considered.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the final day because technical or payment-related problems may occur while submitting the application.
Training Period and Stipend
The training period and stipend will be governed by the existing rules and directives issued by the Railway Board from time to time.
The notification also states that no hostel accommodation will be provided. Selected candidates will have to make their own arrangements during the apprenticeship training.
After completion of the prescribed training, candidates will be released in accordance with the applicable Apprentices Act provisions.
Is There Any Guarantee of Railway Job After Apprenticeship?
No.
Candidates should understand this point carefully. Completion of apprenticeship training at Rail Coach Factory does not provide an automatic right to permanent absorption or employment in the Railways.
The notification clearly states that imparting training in Railway does not confer any right on candidates for absorption in Railway after successful completion of training.
Therefore, candidates should consider this recruitment as an apprenticeship training opportunity and should not treat it as a direct permanent Railway job appointment.
Apprenticeship Agreement
Before beginning apprenticeship training in the designated trade, the selected candidate must enter into a Contract of Apprenticeship.
If the selected candidate is a minor, the candidate’s guardian has to enter into the contract as prescribed.
Important Points for Candidates
Before submitting the RCF Kapurthala Apprentice application, candidates should remember these points:
- There are 734 apprenticeship seats.
- The recruitment covers nine trades.
- Minimum age is 15 years.
- The upper age limit is below 24 years as on September 5, 2026.
- Class 10 with at least 50% aggregate marks is required.
- Candidates must possess the prescribed National Trade Certificate in the relevant trade.
- Selection is based on the merit list prepared using Matriculation and ITI marks.
- There is no written examination mentioned in the notification.
- Application fee is ₹100.
- SC/ST/PwD/Women candidates do not have to pay the application fee.
- The application is completely online.
- The last date is September 5, 2026.
- Candidates must preserve their registration number.
- Original documents will be checked during document verification.
- Medical fitness is compulsory.
- No hostel accommodation will be provided.
- Apprenticeship training does not guarantee permanent Railway employment.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Submit Application | September 5, 2026 |
| Last Time | 24:00 Hours |
| Merit/Result | To be announced |
The notification states that the result should be declared within 45 days of closure of receipt of applications, subject to the recruitment process and administrative requirements.
RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available in RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A total of 734 Act Apprentice vacancies are available across nine different trades, including Fitter, Welder, Machinist, Electrician and Electronic Mechanic.
2. What is the last date to apply for RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is September 5, 2026, up to 24:00 hours.
3. What is the age limit for RCF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have completed 15 years of age and must not have completed 24 years of age as on September 5, 2026. Age relaxation is available for eligible categories as specified in the notification.
4. What is the educational qualification required?
Candidates must have passed 10th Class or equivalent with at least 50% aggregate marks from a recognised Board and must possess the required National Trade Certificate (NTC) in the notified trade.
5. What is the application fee for RCF Kapurthala Apprentice Recruitment?
The application fee is ₹100. However, SC, ST, PwD and Women candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
6. Is there a written examination for RCF Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
No written examination is mentioned in the notification. Selection will be based on a merit list prepared using the marks obtained in Matriculation and ITI, with the prescribed simple-average method.
7. How will the RCF Apprentice merit list be prepared?
The merit list will be prepared by taking the simple average of the percentage of marks obtained in Matriculation and ITI. The final merit list will be prepared trade-wise and community-wise.
8. What happens if two candidates have the same merit marks?
If two candidates obtain the same marks, the older candidate will be given preference. If their dates of birth are also the same, the candidate who passed the Matriculation examination earlier will be considered first.
9. Is medical examination required for selected candidates?
Yes. Candidates finally enlisted for apprenticeship training must undergo medical examination and be found medically fit. The medical certificate must be issued by a Government-authorised Gazetted doctor not below the rank of Assistant Surgeon of a Central or State Hospital.
10. Does completing the RCF apprenticeship guarantee a permanent Railway job?
No. The notification clearly states that apprenticeship training does not confer any right to absorption or permanent employment in the Railways after successful completion of training.